Urbina Bay & Tagus Cove, Isabela Island, 3/30/2022, National Geographic Islander
Aboard the
National Geographic Islander
Galápagos
Today we started the day by exploring Urbina Bay. Everything around us was green. We observed land iguanas everywhere. We got lucky and saw Galapagos giant tortoises on the trail. After our hike, we went to the beach and enjoyed a refreshing time in the water.
Then National Geographic Islander moved to Tagus Cove. We snorkeled with Galapagos penguins, and sea turtles and flightless cormorants surrounded us as we kayaked. To finish the day, we had the options to hike or explore the caldera on a Zodiac ride. What an amazing day exploring these islands.
Ixora was born in the Galapagos Islands, back when the streets were made of sand and gravel. Void of TV and tablets, her childhood friends and pristine natural surroundings made for an inspiring upbringing. She was always drawn to the ocean and her l...
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Our day began with a mesmerizing exploration of Roca Redonda and Punta Vicente Roca. The morning sun cast a golden glow on the towering cliffs that define this part of Isabela Island. We navigated along the coast, observing the diverse marine life that thrives in these nutrient-rich waters. Notable encounters included playful Galapagos sea lions, elegant flightless cormorants, and sea turtles. Snorkeling enthusiasts were treated to a world beneath the waves and non snorkelers saw just as much from our glass-bottom Zodiac. In the afternoon, our expedition led us to the pristine shores of Fernandina Island. This uninhabited island is a haven for wildlife. The highlights were undoubtedly the iconic Galapagos marine iguanas basking on black lava rocks. As we carefully navigated the island's trails, we marveled at the otherworldly landscapes shaped by ongoing volcanic activity. A sighting of a Galapagos hawk soaring overhead added a touch of wild majesty to our exploration. The sense of isolation and raw nature in these untouched Galapagos corners reminded us of the importance of preserving these ecosystems. Our journey continues tomorrow, promising new wonders in this extraordinary archipelago.
For our first full day in the Galápagos Islands we navigated for three and a half hours toward Bartolomé Island. This famous island is located on the eastern side of Santiago Island, with an area of only 1.3 square kilometers (0.5 square miles). On the early morning walk we appreciated unique geological formations, pioneer vegetation, and — after a 30-minute walk up 372 steps — our guests were rewarded with the most iconic view of the Galápagos. This view is featured in a scenic shot from the movie “Master and Commander.” After this activity we finished our time with an underwater exploration of Bartolomé’s marine life. Next we continued navigating for an hour and forty minutes toward Santa Cruz Island. We visited the northwestern side of the island to explore an area known as Dragon Hill, named after the endemic Galápagos land iguana. For our last outing today we enjoyed a 1.7-mile hike along a dry forest to spot some iguanas.
We had a fantastic day in the Galapagos Islands. Floreana made an impression on us with its incredible natural beauty and extraordinary sightings. We visited three different sites on the island. Early in the morning, we went to historic Post Office Bay, where whalers used to anchor to drop off and pick up mail. Later, snorkeling in Champion islet was full of surprises. A whale shark passed below us! In the afternoon, flamingos and sea turtles offered wonderful photo opportunities during the golden hour at Punta Cormorant.
